Captain Tom Moore And Michael Ball Release Charity Single

Captain Tom Moore has recorded a duet with singer Michael Ball in a bid to raise even more money for the NHS.

The new single, released today, is a cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The 99-year-old British Army veteran, who served in India and Burma during the Second World War, has already raised more than £20 million for the health service after walking 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire.

The track features a spoken introduction from Capt Tom, who says: "Hold your head up high...and don't be afraid of the dark."

The duet of the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein tune, which has become an anthem for medical stuff during the pandemic, also features the NHS Voices of Care Choir. 

Mr Ball called for the single to reach number one in time for Capt Tom's 100th birthday on 30 April.

“There isn’t one of us who has failed to be inspired by Captain Tom Moore," he said.

“It is one of the single greatest honours of my career to sing with this genuine national hero, supported by the incredible NHS Voices for Care Choir.

“Not only is he the biggest single fundraiser in British history and a decorated war veteran, he is the most charming man you could ever wish to meet.

“Hopefully he can now add singing star to his many talents. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could give him a number one record for his 100th birthday!”

Capt Tom said: "I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would be releasing a single with Michael Ball OBE, but I also never thought it possible for me to walk in the garden and raise millions.

“So why not sing, spread some cheer and again – raise money for our national heroes. NHS this one is for you!”

Hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition for Capt Tom to be knighted for his fundraising efforts.

NHS worker Sonia Wilson, who launched the petition, told Forces News: "As an NHS midwife, I know how much his fundraising and support means on the ground and how much it means to staff during this awful pandemic.

"He deserves to be knighted."

The veteran has also received multiple messages of support from the Royal Family, health workers, sports personalities and politicians.

Capt Tom told Forces News he will continue walking for as long as people continue donating.

Cover image: Captain Tom Moore (Picture: MOD).